A problematical Upper Cretaceous holostean fish genus<i>Aphanepygus</i>

Abstract

Summary A new account is given of the holostean fish Aphanepygus dorsalis, the best-known member of the genus. It is characterized by several unusual features, for example, the absence of the anal fin and the presence of rhomboid scales on the cheek. The placing of Aphanepygus within the Macrosemiidae is reviewed. It does not belong in this family but a specialization of the squamation indicates that the genus is more closely related to the macrosemiids than to any other group.